ENCINO–Once again–the San Fernando Armenian community was able to prove that the first Armenian School in the United States–Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary and Ferrahian High School–has unconditional support. On Saturday–March 16–2002–the Finance Committee–under the auspices of the Prelate of the Western Prelacy had organized a fundraising banquet where more than 400 guests attended and more than $150,000 was raised.
The financial support of the enthusiastic crowd was overwhelming. When the total amount of the donations reached the projected $100,000 mark–the evening’s master of ceremonies–Peklar Pilavjian announced with much pride that they had reached the goal and expressed his heartfelt appreciation.
During the event–two other significant donations were announced as well. The first–a $25,000 endowment fund in memory of late Dickran and Mary Tomassian–which will be set aside for a special project and a $10,000 trust fund established by Mother Compatriotic Union of Guesaria–of which annually $500 will be apportioned to the school scholarship fund. The overall proceeds that were generated from the banquet will be reserved for the scholarship fund as well.
Prelate–His Grace Bishop Mousheg Mardirossian–in his benediction–emphasized the need to stand by the school and to graciously donate to the Armenian School. Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian–Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church–conducted the invocation. The Finance Committee Chairperson–Serop Beylerian and the Principal–John Kossakian–during their address–briefly stated both the financial and the academic status of the school. On behalf of the Banquet Committee–Ani Demirjian greeted the audience with her opening remarks.